Dr Fiani said without the operation, there was a risk abscesses would form, with fatal results for the devil.

After the operation today, the injured devil will need to remain in the Taronga Wildlife Hospital for monitoring. Now the teeth have been removed keepers and veterinarians will have a better idea about how long he will have to stay at the hospital

Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos are part of a national breeding program among over 15 zoos and wildlife parks to provide an insurance population as wild Tasmanian Devils are now endangered by the fatal Devil Facial Tumour Disease.